Thai Eatery at Main Beach is the better looking, sassier younger sibling of Thai on the Hill, Robina. If you’ve already discovered the fresh and exciting combinations of Thai food served up by Piti Chitchamnonk, you can now enjoy his cuisine in the more ambient alfresco surroundings of Main Beach.

Like many Main Beach cafes, Thai Eatery completely opens out onto the street, its south-facing vista to trees on Cronin Avenue an added bonus. On the night we dined, fairy lights gave the evening a magical glow, white cloths topped with vermillion overlays added a regal touch, and the warmly smiling Thai host graced us with excellent personalised service.

The menu displays many traditional favourites, such as fish cakes – among the best on the Coast, so we shared a mixed entree ($8.90) to sample various tastes, but vowed to try the Kanom Bueng next time – roti bread stuffed with seasoned prawns, minced coconut and crushed peanuts, cut in tortilla-like wedges and served with a dipping sauce.

We also shared main courses, too consumed by food envy to let any dish pass. With a choice of curries, salads, stir fry dishes and noodle combinations, we settled on a perennial favourite: red curry duck, this time served with lychees and grapes, an enjoyable and different taste to the usual ‘cherry tomato’ version. The duck was plump and moist, and slurped on accompanying coconut rice, the sauce was deliciously fresh, tasty and light. We’d tried the Pla before, as it’s a house specialty: a large fillet of fish lightly fried and smothered in a salad of apple, lemongrass, cashews, red onion, and herbs with a fragrant hot and sour lime with a touch of chilli dressing. It’s a generous dish which is great to share, its flavours a perfect example of the balance achieved in Piti’s dishes. The Pud Noppagaow (prawns, chicken and vegetables stir-fried in oyster sauce) complemented the other dishes with its delicate balance and milder subtle flavours. These main course dishes ranged from $18 – $25; less if you wished to take away. Lunches are smaller in size and priced accordingly.

Thai Eatery treads an easy road between traditional and innovative cuisine, with well-balanced fresh food which has surprised and won over many customers since opening in this new venue. This is delicious Thai food at a good price, served by competent gracious staff in a beautiful Gold Coast location. It’s an all-round winner!